The decision follows a period of uncertainty that began in late July, when Fortis was placed on indefinite leave. This action was taken by the club after an altercation occurred between the groundsman and an England and Wales Cricket Board (
A distinguished career and recent controversies
Joining Surrey in 2012 at the age of 30, Fortis became a well-known presence at the Oval. His professional reputation was bolstered by significant recognition from the ECB, as he secured the Grounds Manager of the Year award for three consecutive seasons between 2022 and 2024. During that same period, Surrey enjoyed notable success, clinching the
Despite his professional accolades, Fortis was no stranger to public disagreement. In 2025, he was involved in a high-profile dispute with India head coach Gautam Gambhir regarding the preparation of the pitch at the Oval. During that exchange, Gambhir reportedly told Fortis, "You’re just a groundsman, nothing beyond that," while India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak later described Fortis as "arrogant." Known for his direct and firm communication style, Fortis had been the subject of an investigation by the Cricket Regulator following the July incident, though the specific findings of the disciplinary process have not been disclosed.
Surrey’s transition period
With Fortis having officially left the club in October, Surrey is now tasked with finding a successor. The timing of the vacancy is critical, as the Oval is scheduled to host two major international fixtures next season: the World Test Championship final in June and the fifth Ashes Test in late July. While the club is expected to begin its recruitment process shortly, Warwickshire’s Gary Barwell has been identified as a potential candidate.
The departure of the head groundsman adds to a period of transition for Surrey, which experienced a challenging 2026 campaign after four consecutive seasons of finishing in the top two of the County Championship. The club is also currently in the market for a new head coach following the departure of Gareth Batty, who left to join the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League. Despite these changes, Rory Burns is set to continue as club captain for the 2027 season, marking his 10th year in the role.
